‘Punisher’ Pulled From New York Comic-Con After Las Vegas Massacre

Marvel’s Netflix Daredevil knew enough to question The Punisher’s gun-toting methods, but the spinoff now predictably faces its own controversy. In the wake of tragic events in Las Vegas, Netflix and Marvel have opted to pull The Punisher’s major debut from New York Comic-Con.

Even as the Netflix spinoff lacks an official premiere date, both Marvel and the streaming service have decided the events in Las Vegas cast unfavorable shadow on their gun-centric series’ plans to stage a major event at New York Comic-Con. It isn’t clear what, if any event will replace the Madison Square Garden debut, but the two companies issued a joint statement:

We are stunned and saddened by this week’s senseless act in Las Vegas. After careful consideration, Netflix and Marvel have decided it wouldn’t be appropriate for Marvel’s The Punisher to participate in New York Comic Con. Our thoughts continue to be with the victims and those affected by this tragedy.

This is far from the first instance in which mass shootings have dictated premiere delays, as recent years saw Mr. Robot, The Last Ship and USA’s Shooter all postponing episodes related to major gun usage. Arguably, The Punisher has long represented a character with questionable values, even as the Marvel Netflix spinoff has primarily emphasized the character’s military background over his predilection for firearms.

We’ll see if Marvel alters its premiere plans for the as-yet-unscheduled drama, but was The Punisher a risky idea regardless?